Bringing my truck into park in front of my house, I stared at the pack of severely scowling werewolf humans in front of me. Nate, Adam, Cassandra, and a handful of other male and female warrior types I didn't recognize. All masks of sheer anger.

I took a centering breath and hopped out of the cab, my heart pounding. Pretending I wasn't afraid I walked up to Nate. He looked ferocious. Arms crossed, muscles stiff, jaw clenched. His dark eyes pierced me deep. If he wanted to use his alpha command right now, I might be on the ground.

Every word he spoke was with an enraged calm. "What. Did. You. Do?"

A tired sigh fell through my whole body as fear evaporated. "Something stupid." Another breath. "But not what you think. Come inside." I started walking into the house, not holding the door for anyone.

I went right for the refrigerator but before I could open it, Cassandra grabbed my arm and spun me around. "You've ruined everything you pathetic human!" I stared shocked at her harsh face. I'd barely heard two words from her before and now she was going to tear my limb off. "We would have won!"

I screamed out as puncture wounds tore into my arm from her fingernails. They may have even been her wolf nails. But just as suddenly she was thrown down to the kitchen floor behind Nate. "Don't touch her." The way her head bowed, that was a true alpha command. "And watch your language."

Momentarily, I was distracted. She didn't say a swear word? But then a blood trickle began down my arm and Adam snarled. He grabbed for the dishtowel from the sink and pressed it at my wound. My fingers followed and held the fabric in place.

Nate still spoke to Cassandra, her whole body collapsing to his alpha aura. "She doesn't understand. Keep her out of this."

"What's going on?" I asked softly, trying to push down the stinging pain at my bicep. Nate's gaze came back to me. "Something is happening isn't it? Tonight."

Nate looked regrettably upon the tall beings filling the kitchen. "Not anymore." He sat down on a kitchen chair looking more emotionally exhausted than I'd ever seen anyone. It was pure turmoil. Even I could feel the grief radiating through him. "Our secret weapon is gone," he continued.

Did he mean?

He had to mean the cakes I gave Tim.

I stared around the faces, most turned to sadness, some still of anger, and tried to be brave. This was my resolve. To help these people instead.

A loud breath shook me, and I put the kitchen towel down. "That's why I might be in trouble."

Nates eyes lifted from the table to me. Hope was not in them.

I turned back to the fridge and opened it wide, showing the massive amount of water bottles filled with an ugly greyish sludge. "Pick any one."

"What is this?" Cassandra asked from the side, finally standing back up with the aid of a dark male.

I ignored her and spoke to Nate. "Pick one."

He stood and grabbed a random bottle. I took it from his hand and drank a swig.

Gah, raw egg. Gross.

"It's not good." I said with a disgusted face, "but it's edible."

A small bit of irritation bloomed in his words. "You're wasting our time."

"No!" I said loudly and turned back to the fridge. "No-no-no, this is your secret weapon. These bottles will do what the cake does, only better."

"You know what the cake does?"

"Yes."

"But it doesn't do it to you."

I paused considering his words. Was that why he wanted me to eat with them? So he could watch how it affected me later? He must have watched a whole lot of nothin' late night book reading time then. "No."

His eyes turned curious as he took the bottle back from me. "What is it?"

I breathed out a nervous laugh, "a smoothie."

Nate's face deadpanned to me, incredulous. "A smoothie?"

I shrugged, "you want me to call it magic potion instead?" The angry movements of the few warrior wolves told me now was not the time to make a joke. "Okay look. These have the cake ingredients, but it'll work better. It hasn't been mixed with flour and sugar and then baked. The raw ingredients work better. It's not great, like super sweet and pepper spicy, but it's edible."

I took a deep breath and paused knowing the next words were a bombshell, for both them and me. I could literally be killed for knowingly doing this.

My words were soft. "I didn't give Milo's men the strong type of cake. I gave them regular birthday cake."

"What?!" More than one wolf's voice shouted.

A lopsided grin touched my cheek. "I gave them stupid regular cake. Tasty cake sure, but still regular cake."

Adam's face turned amused a moment and then back to a hard mask. "When the effects don't show, they'll kill you."

I faded. "That's why I said I did something stupid."

Adam's hands rubbed at his face in exasperation, and he strode from the room. We all followed his movements as he went to my bathroom closet and rummaged. The room was silent as he walked back with antiseptic and gauze in his hands. He pushed me down into the chair Nate was just using and then started cleaning and wrapping my throbbing arm.

A grin inched its way across Nate's face. "Will the smoothies work?"

I nodded. "Try one and see, the effects should last longer too."

He took a swig and a fist came to his mouth. He gasped. "Oh wow. Yeah, that does have a bite." He made a face. "Sickly sweet too."

My small giggle filtered through. "I told you it was gross."

Adam smirked and momentarily met my gaze as he tied the last of the gauze off.

Nate then downed the rest of the bottle, holding his nose. "You better be right about this." He turned to Cassandra. "Get these bottles back to the pack. Share them however you see fit."

"Yes Alpha," she stated like a soldier. He cleared his throat and she tried to cover the mistake. "Sir! Yes, Sir!" Both eyes came to me, and I tried to look away like it was nothing to me. But it was. I celebrated inside. Alpha title: confirmed.

Instead, I pointed to some empty cardboard boxes near the wall. "You can use those."

"Thank you," Cassandra addressed me then her eyes pointed back at the warrior wolves. They turned to attention and started filling boxes with my smoothie bottles. I watched their quick work and in close to a minute they folded the cardboard flaps and grabbed them up in their arms. Cassandra turned my way but didn't look me in the eye. "I apologize for my outburst." She bowed her head and then ushered the warriors out.

Only Nate and Adam were left.

"You should have one too," I addressed Adam, realizing they took all the bottles.

He nodded, still sitting in the chair next to me. "I will later. They'll save me one."

"'Kay."

Nate sat in another seat and took my hand in his. "Thank you for this, Elise. Sorry I was mad there for a minute."

"It's okay," I squeezed his hand and then gave a teasing smile. "I tried to tell you."

He studied me a moment and then his face fell. "Oh, no. Is that what you were trying to say earlier?" He cursed in frustration.

Adam had a smirk as he looked to Nate.

Nate opened his eyes to Adam and groaned. "Shut up."

I watched in wonder. I thought I had caught them doing the mind link a few times before, but this was the first time I was sure something had been said telepathically and I grinned wondering what Adam had thought. Probably something like Nate was an idiot for not hearing what I wanted to say.

Adam then looked to Nate and my entwined hands, and my eyes followed the movement. He was seeing the scrapes. I pulled my hand from Nate's and showed Adam the back. There were a few scratches from when I scraped my hand into the bark, but it looked better than any skinned knee I'd ever had. Then I showed Nate. "I really tried."

Adam exhaled. "It almost worked."

Nate grinned. "But you laughed at it." He then fingered a lock of my hair from my forehead, across my temple, and then back behind my ear. "Wasn't very convincing."

"He told me not to show," Adam muttered.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think going to the grocery store was an emergency," Nate blurted.

I put my hand down and looked at the ceiling playfully. "Maybe I should run into my beehive next time I want to talk to you?"

Adam scowled, but Nate just laughed.

Nate flicked tenderly at my chin. "Remember Sweetheart, you just have to ask for me to call you."

Oh.

Right.

Did I ask invisi-Adam for Nate to call me? Huh, no, I didn't. I guess I should have thought about that.

Nate's eyes turned back to Adam in silent conversation again and Nate leaned against the chair back, his fingers tapping on the table. A slight nod to the outside window.

"Elise?" Nate asked with a thoughtful air.

"Yes?" I spoke hesitantly in the softened atmosphere.

"We need to get you somewhere safe tonight. I think the kid was right. A hotel in the city."

"What?" My eyes shot up. "No. I'm going to stay here. Something is up and I've got to make sure my grandparent's farm stays safe. I can't leave."

His hand came up as if calming me. "I know, I know you don't want to go anywhere. But I think you're in serious danger here. When Milo's ... people... find out that they've been tricked, they'll be furious and could come after you. And this house is way too close to the action for my liking."

"What action?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

I folded my arms like a mad toddler. "No. I'm staying."

He leaned forward and grabbed my hand away. He twisted it to stare at the bee sting. The sting still presented as a swollen bruise, but the wolfsbane lines were almost gone. "You could get really hurt." His finger lightly brushed against the surface of my palm. "Look, I can get you a room at a nice place. I'll even cover it. You'll be safe until all of this is over. Leave us to watch over your grandparent's territory."

"No," I practically whispered pain evident in my words. "Nate, Milo took so much from me. He can't take this too."

"Let us deal with Milo."

My heart pounded. I didn't want to say it, but he needed to know the lengths I would go. I had to say it. "I have to stay, Nate. He killed my grandparents. He stole my forest away. He can't take this farm too." I stood from the table and stepped away, a hand holding my bandaged arm. The ache of losing everything overcoming the ache in my arm.

Pain filled his voice. "He killed your grandparents?"

I nodded, pressing down tears.

He stood and wrapped his arms around, holding me from behind. "He killed my family. So I know what you're feeling, but I still can't let you be here."

I turned to face him, sorrow filling the air. "He did?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry." A substantial pause. "But I can't leave. I have to stay and protect this place."

His hand stroked down my uninjured arm. "And how do you expect to protect it?"

How did I indeed? I had a rifle, but what would that do against a pack of wolves.

I looked away beaten. "I just have to stay."

"We won't let him take anything else, Elise. I promise. And that includes your life."

"Please. I've got to stay here."

The air was heavy and quiet as we both contemplated the words.

Nate stepped back and put a hand against the counter. "Why don't you go pack some things."

I sat up tall turning to face him, anger filling me. "I'm not going!"

His full eyes trained on me. "Yes. Yes, you are. I won't be able to concentrate if you're still here."

"I don't care. I'm staying. This is my home."

"And I can't have you this close to the war!" He yelled exasperated, his hand slamming back to the counter.

I stepped back in shock. But not from his hit. "There is going to be a fight then? A war with Milo? I was right?"

"That is none of your concern."

"What's going to happen?" I asked softly, taking a step forward and touching his arm.

He looked pleading. "Don't worry about."

"I'm not leaving my home," I threatened.

Nate grumbled low in his throat. "You are going if I have to throw you over my shoulder and make you."

I stared him down. "No."

I figured out too late.

Don't challenge an Alpha.

Suddenly, I was over his shoulder, and he was taking me to the door. Was he going to walk me to the city? I didn't remember his car outside.

"Stop! Nate don't do this!" I pushed on his back and then leaned up to gaze at Adam. "Help me!"

Adam put his hands up in surrender. "I'm with Nate on this."

"You're no help," I grumbled.

"Are you going?" Nate asked, hand threatening over the doorknob.

"Nate Stop! You can't force me to the city right now." I kicked and thrashed about for excuses. "I need to get ready for work. I have to work tonight."

He snorted. "I can arrange otherwise. I bet Marjorie would love to do anything I asked."

I stopped my kicking. A pause. Then I took a breath and fell limp. Of course she would take his side.

Nate started to laugh realizing my defeat, his motions making me rise and fall. His hand was still twisting the doorknob. "Are you going to stay in the city tonight then?"

"Ugh, yes. Fine."

He put me back down, holding me steady until I stood straight. "I'll get you a nice place. You can head there after work."

"Fine," I said bitterly.

But I knew I'd never make it that far.

Adam must have saw the thought cross my eyes. "She's not going."

I turned to him in tried horror. "Yes. I am!"

He gave a half smile at the flare-up. "She's lying."

My face turned to anger on him. "No I'm not!" But seeing his smile, pressed a hint of one to my face too, easily giving me away.

"See?"

My hands came up in annoyance and I grumbled. "Grrr! You are like the biggest tattle tale!" I mocked his words, "-her hand still hurts – she's not going to the city-."

Adam just watched me, his chest bouncing with unheard laughter.

"Ugh! Fine. I'll think about going."

Nate smiled and bobbed his head. "Good. Now go get ready for work, Sweetheart. I'll set something up."

I heaved an annoyed sigh and stomped to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. I raced over to the bed and threw a pillow back at the wall.

Stupid wolves.

All through putting my uniform on, I hmphed and banged things. Then I realized that my makeup was in the bathroom, and I'd have to go back out. Fine. I slightly opened the door, noticing both sets of eyes on me, I just threw the door open and strutted to the bathroom.

I could hear Nate's voice as I applied mascara, but only every few words. But I could tell. He was making a reservation!

I opened the door back wide to see them. Yes, Nate was definitely talking into his cellphone, leaning against the kitchen counter. Adam still at the table.

"Hello?" I argued. "I said I would think about it."

He just winked and continued talking. "Yes, tonight. Suite."

My arms came up in the universal what the heck are you doing gesture. And Nate just tapped his finger against his cheek and then pointed at me. "You got a little here Sweety, go fix it." Then he grinned wide and answered at the call again. I turned back to check in the mirror and a tiny slight smear of mascara was under my eye. Like it made a difference.

Stupid wolves.

I then wiped the blot away and gave a half-hearted choke of a laugh. They were going to be the death of me.

I fixed the rest of my makeup and put my hair up in my usual waitress bun, then walked out of the bathroom to see what the damage was.

"So?" I asked, hands on my hips.

Nate was still strutting his stupid cute stuff against the counter. He looked me up and down. "Looks nice."

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my purse. "Not about me you idiot." But I couldn't help but laughing. Goodness it was hard to be mad at the two. "Where am I staying?"

"She's still not going," Adam hinted.

My eyes turned angered at him again. "I... am."

He laughed, outright laughed. Pretty much laughing in my face.

Jerk.

"She'll go." Nate spoke then joined the laughter. "Okay," he turned to me. "It's all set up. You just say your name at the counter. The J.W.N. Prince Inn. It's right around the corner from South Thai, so we can go there afterwards." He winked.

"Ugh!" Was all I could say. "I'm going to work."

I started walking out, my tiredness of the two weighing me down.

"Elise, Sweetheart. Wait," Nate called.

The sincere charm that radiated from his words turned me back.

He stepped to me and enveloped me in a hug. It was warm and kind and I reached into it. He noticed my positive reaction and held me tighter, putting his chin against my hair. "Elise, I really do want you to be safe." All the last minutes anger gone. This felt pure. It really was a call to be good and I squeezed back, my cheek pressed against his solid chest.

But I would be strong. I would be strong for my grandparents.

I pulled away from Nate to see Adam staring against the opposite wall to not interrupt our show. My cheeks flared.

I took a beat and then looked up to Nate, worried. "Are you really going to fight? I don't want you to get hurt either."

He cupped my chin. "You don't need to worry about us. We can handle this fine. We've got lots of friends from around the county coming. And we don't want to hurt anyone, really. We just have to remind Milo that... that he won't get away with what he's been doing. Like what he did to your grandparents."

A nervous smile pressed my lips as I looked back up to him. "You try to be safe too, okay?"

He nodded and then gave another quick hug.

I took a happy breath and started for my truck. "Lock the doors, Boys."

"Miss Winters?"

I turned back to Adam.

He looked cautioning from his seat. His eyes piercing blue. "If you come back here tonight, don't go out into the woods. It's the least safe spot in the entire state on a night like tonight. Come home. Stay inside. Don't go out for any sound."

My body turned rigid. All the teasing about staying in the city felt gone now. Adam's words bore into my bones deeper than any anger Nate had shown at me, actually scaring me, and he didn't even try to force me out of the house. Instead, he seemed to be welcoming me back. But with the way I felt, in that moment he could have told me to go to the hotel and I would have marched there like it was an alpha command.

He knew I'd be back.

"Be safe, okay?" He prompted.

I nodded and went outside to the truck. My steps a bit jagged.

Now would I go to the city?

I might.